Category Archives: Weather

Surviving a New England Winter

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 Through Snow, Ice, and Dark of Night

❄️ The Snowy Stage

Winter in New England doesn’t tiptoe in—it barrels through the door with a frosty grin and a suitcase full of snow. Streets transform into icy labyrinths, and every front yard becomes a stage for snowdrifts that pile higher than the neighbor’s mailbox. It’s a season where shovels become daily companions and boots squeak like loyal sidekicks.

🌬️ Ice, Ice, Maybe

The ice is both villain and comedian. Driveways glisten like glass runways, daring us to pirouette unintentionally. Sidewalks become slip-and-slide adventures, where balance is less about grace and more about survival. Yet, there’s a strange beauty in the sparkle—icy branches twinkle like chandeliers hung by nature herself.

🎿 Slopes and Red Noses

Of course, New England isn’t just about shoveling—it’s about skiing and snowboarding too. Resorts dot the region, inviting adventurers to carve trails down powdery slopes. The thrill of racing downhill leaves cheeks tingling and noses glowing bright red, proof of a day well spent in the crisp mountain air. And when the lifts finally close, there’s nothing sweeter than gathering for après-ski: boots drying by the door, a crackling fire warming tired muscles, and mugs of mulled cider shared among friends.

🌌 The Dark of Night

Ah, the long nights. Darkness falls early, wrapping the town in a velvet cloak by late afternoon. But instead of gloom, it offers a chance for cozy rituals: candles flickering in windows, cocoa warming hands, and the quiet hum of a kettle promising comfort. The dark becomes less an enemy and more an invitation to slow down.

🧣 The Secret Weapons

Survival isn’t just about grit—it’s about whimsy. Fuzzy socks, oversized scarves, and the eternal promise of baked goods are the true heroes. A snowstorm outside? Perfect excuse for a kitchen experiment. The oven becomes a hearth, and laughter fills the house louder than the wind                                                                       rattling the shutters.

 

 

🌟 Finding the Magic

Through snow, ice, slopes, and night, New Englanders discover resilience wrapped in humor. Winter isn’t merely endured—it’s celebrated with sled rides, snow angels, ski runs, and the occasional hot toddy. The season teaches us that survival is less about braving the cold and more about embracing the sparkle hidden within it.

It’s Officially Fall

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NE Fall

New England Fall photo credit Deb Neumann

🍂 Fall in New England

It’s been building to this moment all month. The mornings have grown cooler, the air carries a crisp bite, and—what’s that I see? Alongside cheerful pumpkin displays, the leaves are beginning to change color. Today is September 22, and with the flip of a calendar page, we’re officially in fall. It’s the Fall Equinox.

Pumpkin Patch- photo credit Deb Neumann

🌞 Fall Equinox

The Fall Equinox marks the moment the sun crosses the celestial equator heading south. We’ll experience roughly 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness—a perfect balance. Since the time of the Druids, this day has signaled the end of the harvest and the beginning of preparations for winter. This year, winter officially begins on December 21, the Winter Solstice—also known as the shortest day (or perhaps the longest night) of the year.

🍎 Fall Traditions

Fall is a favorite season for many. The heat of summer fades, and vibrant colors line the roads and byways. It’s the perfect time for apple picking and leaf peeping. Around the Equinox, fall color begins to burst forth—starting in Maine and New Hampshire, then gradually sweeping south through Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island by mid to late October.

Norton colors

Along the water in Norton-,photo credit Deb Neumann

🚗 Where to View the Fall Foliage

Cycling the Kancamagus photo Deb Neumann

If you time it right, the White Mountains of New Hampshire are breathtaking. Try a drive along the Kancamagus Highway, which connects Lincoln in the south to Conway in the north. My brother and I once took his motorcycle up there—we froze in the mountain air, but those spectacular views without a car roof in the way? Worth every shiver.

Jack o Lanterns Keene NH photo Deb Neumann

🌄 Mohawk Trail

Closer to home in Massachusetts, the Mohawk Trail offers stunning foliage and sweeping vistas. The western stretch, as you approach New York State, is especially vibrant.

🏔️ Mount Greylock

I’ve heard wonderful things about the views from Mount Greylock’s summit. Nestled in the heart of the Berkshires, it’s the highest peak in Massachusetts. I haven’t made the drive yet—traffic’s rumored to be horrendous—but maybe this is the year to bite the bullet and go for it.

 

Swans in Flight Photo Deb Neumann

 

 

Bye Bye Summer Bye Bye

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🌻 Summer Is Flying By—But Your Patio Still Has a Story to Tell

Summer always feels like a whispered secret—here, then gone. As Labor Day peeks around the corner, the signs of seasonal shift begin to bloom. Pumpkin spice lattes reappear like old friends. Roadside stands brim with sunflowers and heirloom pumpkins. Chrysanthemums spill from terra cotta pots, lining porches, patios, and driveways in a blaze of gold and burgundy.

Farm stand

Farm Stand- Photo credit Deb Neumann

And yes, the school buses have resumed their morning parade, much to the little ones’ dismay. Soon, the trees will don their autumn gowns, and the roads will fill with leaf peepers chasing color and crisp air.

But before we surrender to sweaters and cider, let’s linger a little longer.

🍂 Signs of Fall, Sounds of Change

The squirrels are in a frenzy, gathering acorns like tiny treasure hunters. Geese sketch giant V’s across the sky, their honking a farewell to summer. The soundtrack shifts—gone are the splashes and giggles from the pool. In their place: quiet rustles, distant bird calls, and the occasional crackle of a fire pit warming up for the season.

There’s a new texture to the air. A snap. A crispness. A whisper of wood smoke. It’s the kind of atmosphere that begs for a cozy throw, a steaming mug, and a seat on your favorite patio chair.

Outdoor Furniture- WelcomingHaven.com

Patio Furniture at Amazon

 

🪑 There’s Still Time—Make It Count

Don’t pack up the patio just yet. There’s still time for one more backyard barbecue, one more roasted marshmallow, one more evening under the stars. Whether it’s tailgating with hot dogs and football chants (Go Pats!) or gathering friends for a twilight toast, your outdoor space deserves a final hurrah.

Welcoming Haven’s patio furniture collections are designed for these moments—the transitional magic between seasons. Think weather-resistant cushions that cradle you in comfort, fire pit tables that invite storytelling, and modular seating that adapts to every gathering.

So dig out that sweatshirt. Wrap yourself in a blanket. Pull up a chair that feels like home. Let your patio be the haven where summer lingers just a little longer.

Welcoming Haven

Amazon Affiliate

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Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you choose to make a purchase. I only share products I truly love, and every click helps keep the porch lights glowing at Welcoming Haven.

 

 

Its a Rainforest Kind of Day

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Like a Rain Forest

Its going to be hot and humid today. Predicted to hit 100 and rain! So far just cloudy but it was already 77 degrees when I got up at 7:30 am. I usually only run the AC at night. I like the hot weather but when I opened my slider it was like being hit with a wall of hot air. The air is so thick with moisture it feels heavy. I think this will be one of those rare days when  I’ll keep the windows shut and AC on.

Looking out my back door- Photo Deb Neumann

 

Strange Kitties

Well now that the weather report is out of the way I just want to mention that I have very strange cats. I’ve had cats all my life. Each cat has their own quirky personality but there do seem to be some universal behaviors so common they make jokes and cat food advertisements about them You know the ones, you turn the can opened on 50 cats come running. 

Hungry Cats Who Have Just Heard The Sound Of a Can Opening (Memes) - I Can Has Cheezburger?

Internet photo/meme

 

Well not my two cats. 

Photo credit- Deb Neumann

Banner will only eat dry food. I’ve tried enticing him with all sorts of wet food, kitty broths and the stuff in the tubes that you squeeze out.  No interest at all. When I put his dry food out he ignores it too. After I go get busy and leave he’ll go eat a little bit- just to check it out. He eats the most after we go to bed at night. Nothing like those midnight snacks.

Banner- Photo Credit Deb Neumann

 

Balboa is also strange. When it’s breakfast time he’s like a lazy teenager. He’ll peek over the top of his cat tree at me but it takes me calling him multiple times before he’ll come running. Then he has to do this stretching walk thing–2 steps and stretch, 2 more and stretch again.  This goes on until I can grab him and put him in front of his bowl of food. If he had to get the food himself he’d starve to death. Once its presented to him he’ll agree to eat.  Its like he has to have an engraved invitation to come to breakfast!

Balboa- Photo credit Deb Neumann

 

 

Its clear to me that with behavior like that I’ll never get to live off proceeds from cat food advertising. 

Playtime

My cats have other strange behaviors too. Just last night I was trying to get them to play before bedtime. I was using a feather wand. Balboa got involved for about 2 minutes then when Banner came over Balboa went off to sit under the table. It was clearly a sulk because he was no longer the center of attention. He shouldn’t have worried.  Banner had no interest in the feather wand. He want to play with the fishing pole. He was so determined that he managed to drag the fishing pole out of the chest I keep it in for safety. We had a rousing game of chase the lure while Balboa watched from the sidelines.

I have more silly things they do but I’ll save some for another time.

 

Happy Saturday

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It’s Saturday!

Yes I know Saturday is a post day but I didn’t do one this week. I had planned to wrap up the Natural Wonders series but I got distracted. I’m not sure on what. I don’t feel like I accomplished anything this week. but there it is. Saturday morning and nothing to say!  Not that it’s an excuse but I did spend over 2 hours yesterday at the dentist. I had a cleaning first then tons of impressions for my 2 implants. I left the office with a very sore mouth and $1000 poorer.  The good thing is that we are in the home stretch. I should get the finished product in my next visit. 

Mix of zirconia dental implants technical picture | Picture … | Flickr

The Storm

All week the weather folks have been going nuts about the BIG storm. 

Snow storm is coming. - Lolcats - lol | cat memes | funny cats | funny cat pictures with words on them | funny pictures | lol cat memes | lol cats

Maybe the north and west got it but doesn’t look like much here so far. When I got up it looked like we might have gotten an inch of snow and some ice. The temps have risen now and it’s rain and all the ice seems to have melted.  It looks like its going to be one of those gray, dull days with lots of rain. I think I’ll snuggle in with a book and be lazy all day.

Banner & Balboa

Photo Credit- Deb Neumann

Both cats seem to agree with me. Usually after they have breakfast they run and chase like crazy until I finish with my emails and morning ritual on the computer. Today they are both just draped over the furniture. 

Balboa- Photo credit Deb Neumann

They are waiting for their morning treats. Maybe once I give them those they will get the morning crazies. Then again, maybe they see it as a lazy day too. 

Nothing to see here

When the boys roll up at area 51 : r/southpark

 

So sorry I have nothing exciting to report this week. I’m happy we are into March. That means that spring is approaching. Maybe there will be some day trips once we get some sunshine. Something to look forward to. Catch ya all later!